Purpose
This essay assignment is the culmination of all your previous work in this module. You have already engaged in the beginnings of writing process. You have:
Brainstormed ideas about the essay in the Discussions.
Condensed your ideas down into manageable points around a thesis.
Displayed knowledge of Comparison and Contrast essays
Consulted with a writing tutor to find areas of strength and areas of improvement.
Finally, you will now compose the final draft of a comparison/contrast essay that:
Contains a clear thesis
Identifies clear similarities and differences.
Engages in critically thought-out analysis of the subjects instead of trivial details
Uses 2-4 main ideas (points) that support the overall essay thesis
Allows you to expand on your chosen topic or create a possible new topic (See Possible Topics)
The previous activities, Discussion Board 2 (DB2) and Writing Activity 3 (WA3) helped you to come to the point where you can bring in outside sources to explore your topic and support your comparisons with academic, credible outside sources.
Now, you will take outside sources to strengthen your points, in support of your topics thesis. You will engage in this form of writing throughout your college career. In fact, you may have already chosen a topic that fits your major or other college course. Comparison/Contrast writing, along with critical thinking, analysis, and outside research is a skill that most careers will utilize. Practicing the skill of comparison/contrast essay writing will translate to any chosen topic, in any chosen field or career. It relies on the individuals gained knowledge and insight. In other words, knowing how to write a comparison/contrast essay will carry over into any fields task of what to write.
Task
Write a 1,000-word essay that compares and contrasts two different subjects based on the criteria(main ideas/points) of your choice. Essay must have two MLA formatted sources used internally and in the works cited page.
Use your previous work in DB2 and WA3 to help narrow down your chosen subjects
Select 2-4 main ideas/points that you want to focus on with your essay
Focus on comparable points that are interesting to the reader
Stay away from trivial details that do not require a lot of thought or research
Follow one of the set compare/contrast essay patterns of organization (p. 500 in SMG)
Chunking
Sequencing (point-by-point)
Be sure not to mix the patterns of organization. Keep the same pattern throughout the essay.
Compose your essay using at least 5 well developed paragraphs that support a clear, comparison/contrast thesis.
5-paragraph minimum requirement
Introduction paragraph should be no more than 2 paragraphs. Typically, one paragraph is devoted to an introduction in a 5-paragraph essay.
At least one paragraph needs to be devoted to each point of your comparison.
Conclusion is typically one paragraph.
An essay may go beyond this requirement, but make sure your comparisons are balanced. Do not spend too much essay space on one subject or point
The essay must have a clear basis for comparison.
Answers why you are comparing the two subjects
Do not merely state similarities and differences; Explore how the subjects relate to each other. Think back to the Apples vs Oranges Discussion example.
Whats the point you are trying to convey?
In-Text Citations
One internal citation must be used from each of your two sources
To be in your works cited page, your two sources must be used in the essay itself. This is done by using an internal citation after any instance of a:
Direct quotation
Paraphrase
Summary
Consult the MLA section of A Writers Reference, materials under Module 2, and the chapters on MLA in SMG.
Create a Works Cited page
Must be on Final page of your essay
See sample works cited page at end of MLA section of A Writers Reference and page 575 in SMG
Both sources must be present in your essay and in your Works Cited page
Look for sources that are relevant and credible in your chosen subject.
Ex. ESPN is a popular website, but it is credible in the field of sports.
Criteria for Success
A successful essay:
Meets all basic requirements of the essay assignment
Avoids plagiarism
Written by the student and the student only
Gives credit for all outside sources and wording
You must use the sources, but just make sure you create proper MLA citations and works cited entries
Presents a clear, easily recognized thesis
Discusses each compared/contrasted point clearly and critically, avoiding trivial details.
Follows one of the two methods of organization.
Chunking
Sequencing/Point-by-Point
Contains an MLA formatted MLA Works Cited Page, containing works cited entries for each source used
Each Works Cited entry is used in the essay as either a:
Direct quotation
Paraphrase
Summary
Cycles through the entire writing process
Edited for grammar mistakes, spelling errors, editing mistakes, MLA documentation errors
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